Swelling and Cankles

"Cankles: the area in affected female legs where the calf meets the foot in an abrupt, nontapering terminus." ~Urbandictionary.com

Why are my ankles and feet so swollen? "What you're experiencing is edema - that's when excess fluid collects in your tissue. It's normal to have a certain amount of swelling during pregnancy because you're retaining more water. Changes in your blood chemisty also causes some fluid to shift into your tissue. In addition, your growing uterus puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). The pressure slows the return of blood from your legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles. Edema is often an issue during the third trimester, particulary at the end of the day. It may be worse during the summer." ~babycenter.com

So it looks like I'm not dying or have some freakish disease. I am swollen though. My feet have been swelling a little bit by the end of the day but nothing like last night. Last night Hutch and I went to the Family History presentation (starring David McCullough) at the LDS Conference Center. We parked at my office and walked to the Conference Center. Since it was snowing that day I wore shoes and knee highs. After it was over, we walked back. When we got home I looked like I had Gout or something like that. I started complaining that I have cankles but Hutch said you can still see definition between my leg, ankle and foot. :) I went to bed sleeping most of the night on my left side. When I woke up the swelling had gone down but was not all gone. My right foot is still swollen (not as bad but is noticeable) and my left is only slightly swollen. I guess that means I'm not doing anything tonight but putting my feet up. Pregnancy makes you feel so pretty.

I can't believe I'm doing this but here is a picture I just took of my foot. Please pardon the lack of pedicure. At least my toes are painted. And yes, flip-flops are all I can wear right now.

Good thing it's a Friday so I can spend the weekend resting my legs and feet. Sometimes I forget that being pregnant limits what you can do. Oh well!!